When you think of Geno Auriemma, you probably picture the fiery, legendary coach pacing the sidelines at Gampel Pavilion, racking up more national championships than most programs have winning seasons. We know him as the architect of the UConn women's basketball dynasty. We know his wit, his sarcasm, and his 1,200-plus wins. But away from the cameras and the intense pressure of March Madness, Geno’s life is actually pretty quiet and centered around his family. People often wonder if the man who coached some of the greatest female athletes in history has children of his own. Specifically, does Geno Auriemma have a son?
The short answer is yes. Geno and his wife, Kathy, have three children: daughters Alysa and Jenna, and their son, Michael.
While the Auriemma daughters have occasionally popped up in the news—Alysa is a writer and educator who has been quite vocal about social issues and her father’s career—Michael “Mike” Auriemma has lived a slightly more private life, though he definitely didn't escape the family’s obsession with basketball.
Michael Auriemma: More Than Just a Famous Last Name
Michael was born in October 1988. If you’re a UConn history buff, you’ll realize that’s a pretty significant year. It was right around the time the Huskies were starting to make their first real noise on the national stage. In fact, Geno has joked in the past that Michael’s birth coincided with the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1989. Talk about a lucky charm.
Growing up as the son of a Hall of Fame coach is probably a weird experience. You aren't just going to games; you're basically living in the gym. Michael spent a huge chunk of his childhood at UConn practices, watching legends like Rebecca Lobo and Sue Bird hone their craft. Honestly, it’s hard not to pick up a ball when your dad is literally the best in the business at teaching the game.
Michael eventually paved his own path on the court. He wasn't just "Geno’s kid" sitting on the bench. He was a legit player.
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At East Catholic High School in Manchester, Connecticut, Michael was a standout. He wasn't some towering center; he was a 6-foot-1 guard with a serious perimeter shot. During his senior year in 2007, he averaged 20 points, seven assists, and six rebounds per game. He ended his high school career with over 1,100 points. That’s not just a "coach’s son" stat line—that’s a player who can hoop.
The College Journey
After a post-graduate year at The Hun School in New Jersey to sharpen his skills and get a bit more exposure, Michael headed to St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. This was a bit of a homecoming for the family, as both Geno and Kathy have deep roots in the Philly area. Michael joined the Hawks as a walk-on.
Playing at the Division I level is a massive jump. Even for someone with Michael’s high school pedigree, the minutes weren't easy to come by. He appeared in five games during the 2008-09 season but ultimately decided he wanted a bigger role on the court.
This led him to transfer to Assumption University, a Division II school in Worcester, Massachusetts. This is where Michael really found his rhythm.
At Assumption, he became a key contributor. During the 2011-12 season, he was a steady presence in the backcourt, averaging about 5.1 points and nearly two assists per game. He was known for being a bit of a marksman from beyond the arc, ranking third on the team in three-pointers made that year. It’s kinda cool to see that while his dad was winning rings at UConn, Michael was grinding out a solid collegiate career of his own, away from the brightest spotlights.
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Life Away from the Hardwood
Today, Michael isn't in the public eye nearly as much as his father. He’s transitioned into the professional world, largely moving away from the "celebrity" status that comes with the Auriemma name in Connecticut. He’s part of a very tight-knit family unit.
Geno and Kathy are now grandparents, and the family often gathers to celebrate those milestones far away from the basketball court. While Alysa has written books and Jenna has stayed relatively local, Michael has carved out a life that is his own.
People often ask if Geno ever considered coaching Michael. Geno has mentioned in interviews that he actually coached Michael’s AAU team back in the day. Can you imagine being a 14-year-old kid in a weekend tournament and seeing Geno Auriemma drawing up a play against you? Terrifying.
But Michael has always spoken highly of his dad, not just as a coach, but as a friend. He once described his relationship with Geno as having "an extra coach" who also happens to be one of his best friends. That’s a pretty high compliment considering how many players describe Geno’s coaching style as "demanding," to put it lightly.
Why People Keep Asking About Geno’s Son
The curiosity usually stems from a few places. First, there's the natural wonder about whether greatness is genetic. We see it with the Currys or the James family. People want to know if there’s a "Geno Jr." out there ready to take over a program.
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Second, Geno’s daughters are quite well-known in their own right. Alysa Auriemma, in particular, has a strong presence on social media and has written extensively about the reality of being the daughter of a legend. When one or two children are in the spotlight, people naturally start digging to see if there’s another sibling they missed.
It’s also about the "what if" factor. For years, there were rumors about Geno potentially moving to the men's game. People wondered if having a son who played would influence that. Geno famously said his daughter actually talked him out of taking a men's coaching job years ago because she didn't want him to leave UConn. The family dynamic has always played a huge role in his career decisions.
Key Takeaways on Michael Auriemma:
- Birth: Born October 4, 1988.
- High School: Starred at East Catholic High (Manchester, CT); 1,000-point scorer.
- College: Played at St. Joseph’s University (D1) before transferring to Assumption University (D2).
- Position: Guard, known for his three-point shooting.
- Current Status: Generally stays out of the media spotlight, focusing on his private professional life and family.
Final Thoughts on the Auriemma Legacy
So, yes, Geno Auriemma has a son. Michael might not be a Hall of Fame coach (at least not yet), but he’s a significant part of the support system that has allowed Geno to stay at the top of his game for four decades.
If you're looking for Michael at a UConn game, you might spot him in the stands, but he’s likely not looking for attention. He’s just there to support his dad, just like Geno was there (when the schedule allowed) to support him during his playing days at East Catholic and Assumption.
If you want to understand the "man" Geno Auriemma rather than just the "coach," looking at his relationship with Michael and his daughters is a great place to start. It shows a side of him that’s less about the box score and more about the long game of life.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you're interested in the personal side of the UConn program, check out Alysa Auriemma’s writings or listen to some of Geno's older long-form interviews where he discusses the balance of fatherhood and coaching. It gives a much clearer picture of why he’s stayed in Storrs for so long. You can also follow the UConn Women’s Basketball official social media for rare glimpses of the family during major milestone celebrations.